PHOTOS | Master seamstresses gather in Inuvik, N.W.T., to learn from each other - Action News
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PHOTOS | Master seamstresses gather in Inuvik, N.W.T., to learn from each other

Twenty-five participants came from all across the N.W.T. to take part in what organizer Denise McDonald said was "possibly the last time all these women will gather in the same room like this."

A week of beading, sewing and creating at the Nihtat Gwich'in office

Women gather around a table where a pelt is being cut up.
Lucy Ann Yakelaya, Alyssa Ross, Amie Charlie and Rashenda Kay learn from Lena Kotokak, as Kotokak cuts lengths of fox fur. (Dez Loreen/CBC)

This week in Inuvik, N.W.T., was a time for creation and sharing of knowledge at the Nihtat Gwich'inoffice.

The event, dubbed "Do your best: ABead, Berry and Wellness Gathering,"was organized by Denise McDonald. She said it was important to her to gather a group of master seamstresses to learn from each other.

A focus was on wellness and sharing stories with each other. Every day started with a prayer circle and a time to speak.

Twenty-five participants came from all across the territory to take part in what McDonald said was "possibly the last time all these women will gather in the same room like this."

A woman looks intently at something she is sewing.
Diane Baxter works on her moccasins. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
Many pieces of felt beaded with different designs.
Many different designs of beadwork were on display during the gathering. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
A group photo of many people gathered together.
All the participants and seamstresses who gathered in Inuvik this week to learn from master seamstresses. (Submitted by Denise McDonald)
Two women hold up a large piece of leather.
Eleanor Mitchell Firth and Denise McDonald put out some hides for cutting. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
Two people sew mitts.
Annie Buckle and Elizabeth Semmler were quietly working while the room was abuzz with activity. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
Four women chat while beading at a table.
Bernice Lavoie, Annie Kay, Sheena Yakelaya and May Andre shared stories while beading. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
Beaded card holders and keychains.
More examples of the intricate beadwork designs on cardholders and keychains that some of the seamstresses brought. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
A woman sews fur together.
Karen Wright Fraser prepares to sew her newest project at the gathering. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
handmade boots with beautiful beadwork
These boots were hand-sewn and hand-beaded. (Dez Loreen/CBC)
Two women sit at a table sewing together
Maslyn Scott and Clara Evalik sit together while Judy McLeod works at the next table. (Dez Loreen/CBC)